PDO Thread Lift
A non surgical face lift that is extremely effective
If your face or neck has loose or sagging skin and you would like to reverse the signs of ageing in your lower face giving you a tighter, fresher more youthful appearance you should consider a PDO thread lift.
It is a safe and highly effective alternative to a surgical facelift and works by inducing new collagen production to lift those saggy tissues.
What is a PDO thread lift?
This innovative treatment uses PDO threads to lift and rejuvenate your skin to give you a fresher, more youthful appearance.
PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a material used as a surgical suture material for over 30 years. PDO is safe, strong and long lasting. The threads are gradually broken down over six to eight months and are replaced by natural collagen, extending the effect of the thread lift to last up to 2-3 years.
How does a thread lift work?
Specialised PDO threads are introduced beneath the skin to lift and tighten the sagging facial tissues. The threads are adjusted to give the required amount of lift. The effect is immediate with a very short recovery time.
Thread lifts do not require surgical incisions unlike traditional surgical facelifts as the threads are inserted through tiny little access points, on either side of the face.
Over time the threads are gradually reabsorbed and are replaced with new collagen by the body, giving additional lift and creating a smooth, more defined natural look.
What is involved?
The procedure takes 45 to 90 minutes to perform, depending on the number of threads to be inserted. Local anaesthetic is first injected into the skin at the insertion points on either side of the face. Cannulas (which are fine and hollow) containing the PDO threads are threaded under the skin and then removed leaving the threads in place. The threads are then adjusted to achieve the required lift, supporting and tightening the area.
The PDO thread lift has a powerful dual effect. The first gives an immediate lifting effect. The second stimulates your body’s own collagen and elastin production.
The lifting effect is seen immediately after the procedure giving a smoother and tighter look. In addition to an instant lift, the great news is over the next few weeks and months the results will continue to improve and can last 2-3 years as your own body produces collagen and elastin, making the PDO thread lift a natural and long lasting treatment.
Which areas of my face can be treated?
This non surgical face lift treatment is very versatile and most commonly used to lift heaviness to the jaw line and jowls and treating a saggy neck but can also be used to treat a multitude of other problem areas.
Patients with the following conditions gain the most from PDO thread lift therapy:
- Loss of volume in the upper face
- Droopy cheeks.
- Age-related volume loss
- Sudden weight loss with sagging facial tissues
- Heavy nasolabial/ nose to mouth lines
- Jowls
- Marionette lines
- Sagging chin or neck
- Exercise-related volume loss (runners face)
During your consultation with Dr Elizabeth, your unique aesthetic requirements will be carefully assessed to determine whether you would benefit from this procedure. Fortunately, thread-lift therapy can be carefully adapted to your individual requirements, but is not suitable for all skin types.
Around the world, PDO threads have proven to be popular and particularly effective in the 30-65 year age group.
Different grades of threads are used for different areas of the face and neck depending on the needs and requirements of the individual. It is not uncommon to use a combination of threads to achieve the best results.
Does this treatment hurt?
We manage treatment discomfort with the use of a local anaesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain.
What results can I expect?
The PDO thread lifts I perform will give you an immediate, natural improvement in your appearance.
The process of natural body protein synthesis begins after about 14-21 days to produce collagen and continues over a period or 18 months to two years, keeping the texture of the skin smooth and supple
Side Effects
The PDO thread lifts I perform generally cause very few side effects. As the threads are placed in the sub-dermis where there are no significant structures that can be affected. Some minor bruising or swelling immediately after the procedure are not uncommon, but settle down quickly. Infection is extremely uncommon as we routinely prescribe prophylactic antibiotics and avoid placing the threads when there is active skin infection. However, you should be aware that some patients with delicate skin or fragile veins can experience larger bruises, making it worthwhile to plan your social calendar or work commitments around this possibility.
Aftercare
We will provide you with detailed aftercare advice at your pre-treatment appointment, such as avoiding dental surgery, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, contact sports and facial massages for 4 weeks afterwards.
For more information, please call our team and arrange your consultation with Dr Elizabeth.
For the meantime, we are consulting patients about this procedure but not actually performing this treatment until Dr Elizabeth has gained CQC approval.
